Device and method for raising and lowering ceiling fixtures

ABSTRACT

A fixture extension device that can support a ceiling fixture at varying heights in relation to the floor is described. The fixture extension device contains a telescoping shaft which enables raising and lowering ceiling fixtures such as fans or chandeliers.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an improved fixture supportextension for ceiling fixtures.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Ceiling fixtures are commonly used in a variety of residential andcommercial locations today. These fixtures encompass a variety of uses,from lighting an area to circulating air within a room, and aregenerally placed in the center of a ceiling or upper wall. Many ceilingfixtures contain light bulbs that must be regularly changed or fanblades that require periodic cleaning. This often requires the use of aladder or similar device to reach and service the ceiling fixture. Oncean individual climbs a ladder, that person has to be prepared to move inawkward positions while trying to balance on a ladder creating a safetyconcern.

Similarly, if the fixture encompasses more than a light bulb, multipletrips up and down the ladder, possibly with additional equipment, may beneeded to service the unit. For example, cleaning or maintaining aceiling fan may require carrying up extra cleaning implements, extraceiling blades or tools to service electrical components. Furthermore,it is often quite difficult to clean some intricate lighting displays,or even small crevices in the ceiling units.

Moreover, in the case of extremely tall rooms control of the unit isinconvenient. For example, a typical placement of ceiling fans is to beas high as possible. However, placing the fan at such a height makescontrolling fan speeds through a typical pull chain unsightly andinconvenient. Additionally, if more direct circulation is needed, a usermay wish to lower the fan height depending on ambient conditions.Similarly, a user may wish to control the focus of light through raisingor lowering the lighting fixture. However, there is no way to controlsuch heights without going through complicated and very time consumingsteps to replace the pole connecting the fixture to the ceiling.

In addition, many fixtures such as ceiling fans have controls andswitches that are difficult, if not impossible to see, without being ona ladder. As such, operation and maintenance of these types of ceilingfixtures are at best inconvenient and not properly maintained, and atworst, dangerous due to the use of ladders.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the above problems associated withthe height of ceiling fixtures. More preferably, a way to control theheight of ceiling fixtures is needed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

These and other aspects of the present invention will become moreapparent to those skilled in the art from the following non-limitingdetailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention takenwith reference to the accompanying figures.

In general, a fixture extension device that can support a ceilingfixture at varying heights in relation to the floor is described. Morespecifically, the fixture extension device is used to raise and lower aceiling fixture to which it is attached via an external control.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shaft of thefixture extension device has multiple sections which operate in atelescoping fashion. The fixture extension device comprises a pulleyassembly which raises and lowers the ceiling fixture. The fixtureextension device may be controlled remotely so that the full benefits ofthe present invention are realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will hereafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein likedesignations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is an upper view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention in the lowered position;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention in the raised position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a shaft of an exemplary embodiment;and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a shaft connected to the casing witha swivel joint of an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of exemplary embodiments only and is notintended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of theinvention in any way. Rather, the following description provides aconvenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may bemade in the function and arrangement of the elements described withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

In general, a fixture extension device that can support a ceilingfixture at varying heights in relation to the floor is described. Morespecifically, the fixture extension device is used to raise and lower aceiling fixture to which it is attached via an external control. Forexample, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fixtureextension rod is attached to a fan and/or lighting unit that may beraised and lowered through use of a hand-held remote control unit. Whilethe invention will be described in this context, it should beappreciated that other uses now known or hereafter devised by thoseskilled in the art may be enjoyed through use of the multipleconfigurations or components set forth herein. Furthermore, anymaterials used to manufacture any of the components of the fixtureextension device that are able to withstand the weight of any givenceiling fixture and/or the torque forces of, for example, a ceiling fanare suitable and are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, support for thefixture extension device is obtained through attachment to the ceilingor other high wall structure. In accordance with various embodiments ofthis aspect, attachment to the ceiling is achieved through means typicalof hanging structures such as, for example, ceiling fans, chandeliers,pot racks, or other ceiling hangings. Furthermore, in some applications,typical support means include a covering, either separate or integratedwith the support, which protects the internal components of the fixtureextension device while in operation. In an exemplary embodiment of thisaspect of the present invention and with reference to FIG. 1, thefixture extension device comprises a casing 25. The casing 25 has ainverted dome shape, with the top portion open to the ceiling and thebottom portion closed around top cylindrical section 11, leaving topshaft opening 40. The casing 25 is shaped such that the operatingcomponents of the fixture extension device are covered from view.Alternatively, casing 25 may be any shape configured to fit in with theoverall design of the supported fixture and provide appropriate coverageof internal components.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the fixtureextension device enables one to raise and lower a ceiling fixturewithout the need to physically handle the ceiling fixture. In anexemplary embodiment of this aspect and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,the fixture extension device has a shaft 10. The shaft 10 is able toexpand and contract, making shaft 10 longer or shorter. Depending on thedesired minimum and maximum heights, the shaft 10 may comprise anynumber of sections. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, shaft 10contains three cylindrical sections 11, 12, and 13. However, any shapeor cross-sectional shape can be used instead of cylinders, such as forexample, squares, cones, or star shapes. Furthermore, depending on theweight and shape characteristics of the ceiling fixture, more than oneshaft (and its associated components described below) may be employed inthe fixture extension device.

In this embodiment of the present invention, each section moves in andout of each other in a telescoping fashion. For example, the topcylindrical section 11 has a diameter that is greater than the middlecylindrical section 12. Likewise, the middle cylindrical section 12 hasa diameter that is greater than the bottom cylindrical section 13. Thus,as demonstrated in FIG. 2, the middle cylindrical 12 section is able tofit within the top cylindrical section 11. Similarly, the bottomcylindrical section 13 is able to fit within the middle cylindricalsection 12.

Continuing with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, andwith reference to FIG. 3, one end of each of the cylindrical sections11, 12, and 13 would have an upper lip 14 that extends perpendicularlyoutward from the cylindrical wall. In addition, top cylindrical section11 and middle cylindrical section 12 would have a lower lip 15 thatextends perpendicularly inward from the cylindrical wall. Asdemonstrated in FIG. 3, when the shaft is fully extended, the upper lipof the middle cylindrical section 12 would be held firm against thelower lip of the top cylindrical section 11. Likewise, the upper lip ofthe bottom cylindrical section 13 would be held firm against the lowerlip of the middle cylindrical section 12.

In addition, the upper lip of the top cylindrical section 111 would beheld firm against casing 25. Preferably, the upper lip 14 of the topcylindrical section 111 would be fastened to casing 25, but fastening isnot required. Any method of fastening now known or hereafter devised offastening the sections together may be used. Alternatively, the topcylindrical section 11 and casing 25 may manufactured as one piece.

In accordance with various embodiments of this aspect of the presentinvention, the shaft 10 may be moveable such that the attached ceilingfixture is able to level itself. This freedom of movement allows formounting the fixture extension device on angled walls. For example, andwith reference to FIG. 4, the upper portion of top cylindrical section111 can be attached to a swivel joint 16 (e.g., an open face swiveljoint). The swivel joint 16 would be attached to casing 25.

In accordance with various embodiments of this aspect of the invention,the fixture extension device comprises a pulley assembly. The pulleyassembly enables raising and lowering the ceiling fixture remotely. Inan exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pulleyassembly comprises a motor 22, a pulley 23, and a cable 30. The motor 22turns the pulley 23 both clockwise and counterclockwise thereby raisingand lowering the fixture 50. In this embodiment, the motor 22 issupported by a bracket 21 fastened to a casing 25 and shaped to receivethe motor 22. Also, the bracket 21 is shaped to fit along the insideedge 42 of the casing 25. The bracket 21 may be attached to the casing25 in any way that sufficiently secures the bracket in place.Alternatively, the bracket 21 and casing 25 may be manufactured as onepiece.

Continuing with this embodiment, the cable 30 attaches to the pulley 23.The cable 30 extends from the pulley 23 through the shaft opening 40through the interior of the shaft 10 and connects to the fixture 50. Itshould be noted that the cable 30 can be made of any material now knownor hereinafter devised, so long as it can support raising and loweringthe fixture 50.

Additionally, and with reference to FIG. 1, an electrical box 26 isfastened to the interior of the casing 25 and powers the motor 22. Theelectrical box connects to an external power source used to power thefixture 50. In turn, the electrical box 26 connects to motor 22 andfixture 50 via a power cord 31. Power cord 31 passes through shaftopening 40, through the interior of shaft 10, and connects the fixture50.

In alternative embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the fixtureextension device comprises a manually operated pulley assembly. Forexample, the manually operated pulley assembly comprises a cord attachedto a pulley. By pulling on the cord the ceiling fixture is raised, andby allowing the cord to be drawn up into the pulley, the ceiling fixtureis lowered. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the manuallyoperated pulley assembly further comprises a latching system whichallows one to secure the ceiling fixture at a desired level.

In accordance with various embodiments, as the ceiling fixture is raisedor lowered, a cord retaining mechanism prevents the power cord fromtwisting, binding, or otherwise getting tangled within the shaft oraround other parts of the apparatus, for example, the power cord mayspool onto and off a spindle. In one exemplary embodiment, the powercord may fold into itself in an accordion-style. As such, any method orstructure now known or hereafter devised that prevents the power cordfrom entanglement is intended to be within the scope of the invention.

In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, the fixtureextension device comprises a safety feature preventing movement of theshaft when the ceiling fixture is in operation (for those embodimentswhich include moving parts). The safety feature may be activated throughengaging a physical device to prevent movement, or alternatively, thesafety feature may electrically prevent the shaft from movement. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 1,the safety feature is a pin 52 connected at the base of the shaft 10.Alternatively, in various embodiments, a safety feature may rendermoving parts immobile while the shaft is in operation. For example, inone embodiment, ceiling fans blades may be rendered immobile while theceiling fixture is being lowered to an appropriate level for servicing.In other embodiments, for example lighting fixtures, the safety featuremay disconnect power to the lighting apparatus so that one would not beelectrically shocked while changing light bulbs. Alternatively, anotherembodiment enables power only to be delivered either to the ceilingfixture (e.g., fan) or to the pulley assembly preventing unsafe movementand operation of the apparatus.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a usercontrols the fixture extension device through a unit external to thedevice. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the externalcontrol comprises a remote control. The remote control may operate thefixture extension device separate from, or in conjunction with, anyceiling fixture components (e.g., ceiling fan speed or lights). Inanother exemplary embodiment, the external control is a switch at groundlevel connected electrically to the ceiling fixture.

However, in alternative embodiments, the fixture extension device may becontrolled through a switch on the device. Though placement of thecontrol on the fixture extension device may require one to use a ladderor the like to access the switch, the fixture extension device stillallows for safely lowering a device towards the ground for servicing.Moreover, by locating the control on the fixture extension device,unwanted tampering can be prevented while retaining other benefits ofthe present invention.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, any type ofceiling fixture can be supported with the fixture extension device. Forexample, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with referenceto FIG. 2, ceiling fixture is a ceiling fan 50. In other embodiments,ceiling fixture may comprise a chandelier or other lighting apparatus.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, it may be appreciated thatvarious modifications and changes can be made without departing from thescope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than restrictive sense, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

1. A fixture extension device comprising: a telescoping shaft; a pulleyassembly attached to top end of said shaft comprising a pulley and acable; said cable with a first end attached to a ceiling fixture andsecond end attached to pulley assembly; and a control for operatingpulley assembly.
 2. The fixture extension device of claim 1, whereinsaid shaft comprises more than one cylindrical section.
 3. The fixtureextension device of claim 2, wherein each said cylindrical section hasan upper lip that extends perpendicularly outward from the cylindricalwall at one end of the section and a lower lip that extendsperpendicularly inward from the cylindrical wall at the other end of thesection.
 4. The fixture extension device of claim 1, further comprisinga casing.
 5. The fixture extension rod of claim 4, wherein said casingis attached to said shaft with a swivel joint.
 6. The fixture extensiondevice of claim 1, wherein said ceiling fixture comprises ceiling fan.7. The fixture extension device of claim 6, further comprising a safetyfeature preventing movement of said shaft while ceiling fan is spinning.8. The fixture extension device of claim 1, wherein said pulley assemblyfurther comprises a motor.
 9. The fixture extension device of claim 1,wherein said control is a remote control.
 10. The fixture extensiondevice of claim 1, further comprising mounting means securing saidfixture extension device to a ceiling.
 11. The method of raising andlowering a ceiling fixture by a fixture extension device comprising thesteps of: attaching one end of a telescoping shaft and a cable to aceiling fixture; activating a pulley assembly attached to cable via anexternal control; raising or lowering said ceiling fixture upon commandof said external control.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said shaftcomprises more than one cylindrical section.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein each said cylindrical section has an upper lip that extendsperpendicularly outward from the cylindrical wall at one end of thesection and a lower lip that extends perpendicularly inward from thecylindrical wall at the other end of the section.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein said shaft is attached to a casing.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein said casing is attached to said shaft with a swiveljoint.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein said ceiling fixturecomprises ceiling fan.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprisingthe step of engaging a safety feature which prevents movement of saidshaft while ceiling fan is spinning.
 18. The method of claim 11, whereinsaid external control is a remote control.
 19. The method of claim 11,further comprising mounting means securing said fixture extension deviceto a ceiling.